The Experience of Sexuality as a Secret Chord in the Construction of Trans Women’s Subjectivities in the Global South: A Case Study of a Group of Trans Women in Lima, Peru

This research explores how the experience of sexuality intersects with the desire for recognition and power dynamics in the lives of trans women from childhood onward. Social science literature on trans women in the Global South has predominantly focused on health issues related to HIV, often neglecting other crucial factors that contribute to a comprehensive understanding of this group. Additionally, in psychology, there is a lack of studies addressing the role of sexuality in children with diverse sexual orientations and how sex/gender dimensions influence the development of their identities. Methodologically, this study uses a qualitative approach, involving 17 semi-structured interviews with trans women aged 23–47 in Lima, Peru. The research highlights that sexuality emerges at an early age and contrasts with the desire for recognition as feminine. This study will demonstrate how sexuality, though often hidden, plays a critical role in shaping the identities and subjectivities of trans women in the Global South.